Small, not ugly, not too expensive to run with large shopping capacity!

[tinkerbells]

Apart from that being a fairly accurate description of myself, are there any garage owners out there that could match me to my perfect car?! Budget of £5K max for a car 6-7 yrs old - would like a car that is about the size of a Clio, has fairly decent street cred (as my twin 17yr olds will be sharing) but not too expensive on running/insurance costs. I would like a fairly decent sized boot for my weekly shopping and alloy wheels! I like hatchbacks with sharp edge boot (not the straight backs like the older Corsas and Clios). Ideally I would like radio control on the steering wheel and - finally - spares not costing the earth. Just wondering if a make/model is screaming out at anyone as I don't have a clue - other than the Clio. Any advice that would save me trawling round the garage forecourts before I start would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

[mjwman]

Skoda Fabia will fit the bill. Especially a VRS! Or an estate in the real world.

[boxtops]

I've got a Daihatsu Sirion, I've very pleased with it. It doesn't have the radion control on the steering wheel though.

[tinkerbells]

Thanks folks I will check those out. Anyone got experience of Ford or Vauxhall as I'm thinking parts might be cheaper with British cars?

[tali1]

Honda Jazz is a very practical and very reliable supermini

[mjwman]

British cars? I think you will find they are both made abroad possibly Spain. As for parts you may well need them with Corsa or Fiesta, less likely with Skoda (VW) but not pricey anyway.